Food simulator: a haptic interface for biting

Abstract

The food simulator is a haptic interface that presents biting force. The taste of food arises from a combination of chemical, auditory, olfactory and haptic sensation. Haptic sensation while eating has been an ongoing problem in taste display. The food simulator generates a force on the user's teeth as an indication of food texture. The device is composed of four linkages. The mechanical configuration of the device is designed such that it will fit into the mouth, with a force sensor attached to the end effector. The food simulator generates a force representing the force profile captured from the mouth of a person biting real food. The device has been integrated with auditory and chemical display for multi-modal sensations in a taste the food simulator has been tested on a large number of participants. The results indicate that the device has succeeded in presenting food texture as well as chemical taste.